WHEN Alan Pardew said each game between now and the end of the season will be like a cup final, he was not joking.

Take his team's next three games - away at Manchester United, home to West Ham United and away to Watford.

The Old Trafford game is a gimme to the champions-elect Red Devils, anything other than a convincing home win would be a shock.

But then Chartlon play the teams sandwiching them at the foot of the table.

Come 5pm after the Watford match, Charlton could theorectically be out of the drop zone.

Alternatively, they could be rooted to the foot.

It is difficult to see Pardew coming back from Manchester with anything especially as they are still without Darren Bent, Andy Reid and Luke Young.

Talal El Kakouri is suspended meaning new signing Madjid Bougherra is likely to start.

As is newboy Alexandre Song in place of either Matt Holland, Bryan Hughes or Amady Faye.

The continuing absence of Darren Bent means Marcus Bent is likely to carry on in the lone striker role.

In their last three meetings, Charlton have conceded 10 goals against United and are yet, this season, to boast a reply strike.

While West Ham and Watford play each other this weekend, Wigan are away to Arsenal.